Friendships are meant to uplift and encourage us in life. However, we can fall prey to improper relationships, many times without even realizing it.

When we do realize that our relationships have taken a turn in the wrong direction, it is our responsibility to make the necessary adjustments. For example, some women may have friends, who are close to them, who they later realize may consider themselves to be more than just a good friend.

Oftentimes, women who have been subjected to abuse may find themselves susceptible to lesbian relationships because they have problems properly relating to the same or opposite sex. Some women may experiment with an alternative lifestyle, find they enjoy it, and decide to indulge in these types of relationships. Despite the reasons, we know that sexual immorality and perversion is not the way to go. Just because we may feel a certain way doesn’t mean it is the right way, or that those feelings should be acted upon. Being in homosexual or bi-sexual relationships causes confusion and a host of other problems that can be avoided. Therefore, we should examine our relationships and make sure they remain healthy and godly. Here are some indications that a friendship with a member of the same sex is out of context or inappropriate:

1. It begins during a personal crisis and quickly becomes intimate.
2. Other relationships lose their importance.
3. Other people in your life feel as if they have no value in your life. The new relationship is all-consuming but creates hurt and disappointments.
4. You begin spending extensive amounts of one-on-one time with this person.
5. All your plans become shaped by this person’s influence.
6. It is exclusive, secret, and private; when you bring others into it, it never works.
7. Emotional well-being depends on how the other person is doing.
8. You feel upset when separated from them or jealous when they are with others.
9. You find yourself communicating on their behalf.
10. You resist separation.
11. There is open rebellion; you challenge what you know in your heart to be right and wrong.

I know this is a subject that is not often discussed and of a delicate nature; however, my goal is to address the needs, concerns, and struggles of women from all walks of life. Opening the lines of communication and addressing even the hard issues, is necessary. Even if you are not involved in an intimate relationship with someone of the same sex, you may know someone who is. If so, be sure to avoid a judgmental attitude and, instead, embrace them with a loving heart. Here are a few tips that will help:

1. Communicate unconditional love and acceptance, even if you do not agree with their choices.
2. Do not reject them.
3. See them as God sees them.
4. Share from your life experiences.
5. Keep in mind, showing them they are wrong is not the goal; demonstrating God’s love is.
6. Trust that God is working in their life, bringing about healing and deliverance.

As women, we are relational beings, meaning we thrive when we have successful relationships. God has placed in us a desire to love, but we should not twist love into something out of context. We should never try to fill empty voids through unhealthy relationships with others. Doing so causes us to place unrealistic demands on them, and can lead us into compromise. Only God can heal our hearts and fill us with the love that makes us whole.

This week’s product offer, Boundaries, is the perfect addition to your library of faith resources. Learn the importance of setting boundaries in your life so you can stay on course toward your destiny!

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